Mercys Reject Insufficient, Overly-punitive Legislation and Call for Compassionate, Comprehensive Reform

(Silver Spring, MD) – The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are engaging in a nationwide effort to encourage their 4,200 sisters, 3,000 associates, 600 Mercy Volunteer Corps alumni and hundreds of co-workers to lobby against Congress’ proposed Secure America through Verification and Enforcement Act (SAVE Act, HR 4088).

All are invited to join Mercy during Congress’ Memorial Day Recess May 23-June 1 in delivering the following message to their congressional representatives at their local district offices: Withdraw your co-sponsorship of the SAVE Act, or at least do not actively work for its consideration. The Sisters of Mercy oppose passage of the SAVE Act because they believe that an enforcement-only approach to immigration reform will drive immigrant workers and their families further into the shadows, creating an underground society and economy.

The Sisters of Mercy believe that comprehensive reform, including a future worker program, will best secure and allow the U.S. to manage the border by alleviating the flow of undocumented workers coming into the country. The Mercy community has also grown increasingly concerned with the construction of detention facilities and addition of hundreds of detention beds for the undocumented population as set forth in this legislation.

Like many Americans, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas came to this country as immigrants. Since 1843 they have ministered to the needs of immigrant persons as part of their commitment to serve the most vulnerable and in response to the Gospel’s call to welcome the stranger and to live in communion with others.

For more information on how to get involved in your area, visit www.sistersofmercy.org/SAVEAct.